STL Index for: Lynde C. B.

Patients often seek natural approaches to treating skin disease. Colloidal oatmeal has been used for decades to improve atopic dermatitis and soothe other pruritic and xerotic dermatologic conditions.

There is mounting evidence that colloidal oatmeal can safely enhance skin hydration and even help resolve clinical lesions through anti-inflammatory effects and by modulation of the microbiome.

Acitretin over the last 20 years has proven useful in a number of dermatologic diseases. Evidence of efficacy, side-effect profile, and approach to its use will be reviewed.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) or eczema is a chronic, relapsing form of skin inflammation that is attributable to multiple pathogenic, genetic, and environmental factors, as well as a dysfunctional epidermal barrier. Immune responses involved in AD culminate in dry skin, pruritus, and IgE mediated sensitization to food and environmental allergens.

There exists a multitude of medical conditions that cause intractable itch, or pruritus. These novel antipruritic agents will be explored in this review.

This article describes how pharmacists can play an important role in providing for patients with their skin concerns and counselling patients on effective management and behavioral strategies as well as prescribing. Reactive and proactive communication approaches are described.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and melasma are common problems that dermatologists see. Various bleaching options are considered.

Hyperpigmentation disorders of the skin are common and can be the source of significant psychosocial distress for patients. Topical applications are the mainstay of treatment and include phenols, retinoids, corticosteroids, and their combinations.